Aylesbury MP Rob Butler gets behind 'The Big Chat' mental health campaign

Aylesbury MP Rob Butler will join the many Buckinghamshire residents who are taking part in the Bucks Big Chat this Thursday, signing-up to the local campaign which is encouraging people to speak about their mental health more openly.

Rob said: “Even the smallest of conversations can make an enormous difference and checking in on friends, loved ones and colleagues is more important than ever during coronavirus.

“As an organiser from Time to Change Bucks told me last week, we’re happy to talk about a broken ankle but we still struggle to ask about our friends’ and colleagues’ wellbeing. Mental health problems don’t discriminate, so we must start these conversations and normalise discussions about mental health.”

Time to Change Bucks, a partnership of local organisations and volunteers committed to ending the stigma surrounding mental health, is inviting residents to join its Bucks Big Chat this week by simply calling friends, relatives or coworkers and listening to how they’re feeling.

Rob added: “One in four people have suffered from mental health problems, and nine out of ten of them experienced stigma and discrimination as a result. With the pandemic meaning

we’re spending less time meeting face-to-face, it’s now even more important that we let others know that we’re there to listen.

“I know that the more we talk about mental health openly, the more we can help break down the barriers which still remain and I’m looking forward to taking part in this fantastic event on Thursday.”

If you'd like to get involved in a great event please visit: https://www.bucksmind.org.uk/get-involved/time-to-change-buckinghamshire/